Festivals eating habits leisure and recreation in GB
Welcome to Edinburgh IVFDF 2014
1.
2. 2
Hello and welcome to Edinburgh!
Thanks for joining us – we know that
some of you have travelled far to be here!
Over the last two years we have been
busy making IVFDF 2014 special. Of
course we were eager to include all those
great workshops and dances we all have
been enjoying over the last couple of
years. But we were also looking forward
to giving IVFDF 2014 our own little twist
and introduce some new events. Our
staple up here is Scottish dancing, so
make sure you check out the Scottish
ceilidhs and dance (beginners friendly –
guaranteed!). We will also be having our
own bal folk with Parasol, our French
guests.
With more than 50 workshops there
should be something for every taste! Have
you ever wondered what it’s like to dance
in a wheelchair? What kind of music they
play on the northern Scottish isles? How
stories are told in the Orient? Well, have a
browse through the programme and see
what’s on offer.
Enjoy the festival!
Jan Bettgenhäuser, IVFDF 2014 Chairman
And the Committee: Anne Schmidt,
Roanna Mackay, Abdelhamid Alhassi,
Xavier Oliver, Jean-Christophe Denis,
Daniel Franzen
3. 3
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
RSCDS
Hobgoblin
EUSA
EUSA Global
Starbucks Youth Action
Dunedin Dancers
Reception
The reception will be located in the Munro room at the Pleasance. To get there go in the
main entrance and up the stairs. The reception will be open from 6-11pm Friday, 9am-10pm
on Saturday, and 9am-1pm on Sunday. Please collect all weekend passes and merchandise
from the reception on arrival. If you are a steward you should also make sure that you re-
port to the reception when you arrive.
Reception Number: 07449515730
Stewards
All Stewards who are on shift will be extremely happy to help with any questions throughout
the day and will be recognisable by their LIME GREEN T-shirts.
All you stewards are amazing, we are sure that, being the wonderful people that you are, you
will make sure that you are aware of when and where your shifts are by coming to the
reception at the Munro room, Pleasance when you arrive. You will then be informed of what
to do and be provided with your Steward shirt. Stewards who are fantastic enough to be
eligible for refunds will be able to collect these on Sunday from 10am-1pm at the Reception.
Reps Meeting
The representatives’ meeting will be happening on Sunday at 10.30 in the New Amphion,
Teviot. Come represent your society and shape the future of IVFDF!
4. 4
Wheelchair Access
Most of the venues are wheelchair accessible. Unfortunately, some of the workshops will not
be as they are taking place in an old building. The rooms that are not accessible are 48A Up-
per, 48A Lower and the Highland room. All of these rooms are at the Pleasance. If you are
having trouble accessing any other room please speak to one of our superb stewards in a
lime green shirt.
Alcohol
There are various bars in Teviot and a bar in Pleasance. The Loft bar in Teviot is open only for
IVFDF attendees , all other EUSA bars will still be open as normal. Hobgoblin Stage is a BYOB
venue but due to licencing laws alcohol is not allowed in any other venue. If you want to buy
alcohol Scottish licensing laws only allow shops to sell alcohol between 10am and 10pm. Al-
cohol is also not allowed to be consumed in public places without a licence, ie. outside.
Showers
Showers will be available at Crags Community Sports Centre from 10pm-9am both nights.
The spaces are limited so please be prepared to queue and shower fast! There are also show-
ers available at the CSE (next to the Pleasance) during the day, however these showers will
cost £3 unless you are a CSE member.
Storage
Storage will be available on Friday night in the South Side Community Centre venue until mid-
night. On Saturday there will be storage available at your sleeping venue. On Sunday 48A
Lower will be available for storage until 2pm at which point please take your bags to the Sur-
vivors’ Ceilidh where there will be space to store them.
Morris Tour
The Morris Tour is scheduled to start at midday sharp on the Saturday. Gather beforehand in
Bristo Square, by Teviot. The plan for the day is then:
12:10-12:55: dance at Grassmarket
13:10-14:00: Lunch at Milnes of Rose Street
14:15:-15:00, dance at The Mound, in front of the Scottish National Gallery
15:15-16:00, dance at Hunters Square
Around 16:30, join the Display Ceilidh
Sides confirmed as taking part include (among others):
- Rag Morris, a colourful mixed Cotswold side from Bristol.
- Handsworth Sword Dancers, a 100+ year old traditional Long Sword side from Yorkshire.
- Highland Morris, a newly formed Edinburgh Border side, with a Scottish twist!
- Miscendi Morris, a student Cotswold side from Leeds
If your side wishes to take part, please phone Dónal Emerson on 07 806 789 158.
Scratch Band
The Scratch Band plays for the survivors’ ceilidh. Everybody welcome! Practice on Sun 10.30.
5. 5
Sleeping
The main sleeping venue is Crags Community Sports Centre. This venue will be open from 10pm
–9am on both nights. There are showers available at this venue. The extra sleeping venue is
Lutton Place, which is much smaller and is mainly for our marvellous stewards. This venue will
be open from 10pm-8:30am on Friday night and 10pm-8am on Saturday night. When you arrive
at your sleeping venue please ensure that you are not blocking a fire exit or blocking anyone
else from getting to the fire exit. No one should have to climb over anyone. Also, please be qui-
et as it is a residential area!
Thank You, Friends!
We here at IVFDF 2014 would like to thank the wonderful people who have helped us make this
festival happen: advisors Richard Mason and Stephen Brockbank; coordinators Johann Bryant,
Uli Werner, Melanie Quintero, Bretchen Hoskins, James Flack, Kieran Porter, Myrto Giannari
and Dónal Emerson; artists Sanne Öhrström, Elysse Meredith, and Alastair Mackie; and EUN-
SCDS, FolkSoc, Quentin Fletcher , Jen Wood, John Brown, David Roy, Davide Panzeri, bands,
callers, workshop leaders, technical staff and everybody who contributed to the success of the
festival. And last but not least our awesome donors: Dave Love, Frank Bettgenhäuser, Ian
Fegen, Graeme Walker, Jana Nöske-Beyling and Anteaques
6. 6
Friday Night Ceilidhs
Norman Mackay’s Ceilidh Experience—Scottish Ceilidh
South Hall, 8-11:30 pm
Norman Mackay’s Ceilidh Experience was originally formed in Edinburgh in 2002.
Now the Ceilidh band of choice for Rock stars, soap stars and famous politicians,
they have gone on to perform at ceilidhs all over Scotland as well as making regular
trips to England, Ireland and Europe. The Ceilidh Experience are renowned for their
rock style & high energy performances. They can be found performing anywhere
from Scotland’s most desira-
ble castles, stately homes
and hotels, to local village
halls and barn dances. In
June 2005 they broke the
world record for the biggest
ever Eightsome Reel when
they played for 5000 dancers
on Edinburgh’s meadows!
Climax Ceilidh Band—English Ceilidh
Hobgoblin Stage, 8:30 pm-12 am
The Climax Ceilidh Band started when two
trios, Meridian and Pesky, decided to play
together in one big, exciting band. With a
little help from the Folk Camp Society, the
Stag’s Tuesday session in Hastings and
some agency gigs, Climax was born. The
band prides itself on its fine mixture of self-
penned tunes with traditional material and
playing ‘live’ is as exciting for them as for
the dancers.
7. 7
Open Stage Concert
A concert celebrating young local talent with four acts for you to enjoy as you relax before
the evening dances.
Lounge Bar, Teviot: 5-7pm Saturday
The Muldrew
The Muldrew is the solo project of
Alastair Mackie, a multinational singer/
songwriter currently based in Edinburgh.
He will perform songs from his upcoming
debut EP, which are a mix of baroque
pop, post-rock and melodic folk. Inspired
by the landscape around him, he will take
you on a musical journey across lochs and
over mountains, but always ending in the
warmth of a home.
The Eilidhs
Eilidh Munro and Eilidh Steel originally
met through Fèis Dhùn Eideann
(Edinburgh Feis) when they were asked to
perform in some local schools to promote
the upcoming week long Feis which they
were both teaching at. In doing so they
realised how much they enjoyed working
together and decided to form a duo.
Since then they have continued to work
with schools and have performed many
concerts, including playing for the BBC at
the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
8. 8
Charlotte Repton
Charlotte is a singer-songwriter from South England,
now living in Edinburgh. With influences including
They Might Be Giants, Hank Green, Molly Lewis and
Edinburgh Uni Folk Society, she likes to write
irreverent songs about science, history, and very
occasionally love. She also enjoys covering songs in
wildly inappropriate genres and settings on her
baritone ukulele.
Skotebi
Skotebi are a group of 9 Edinburgh men who
sing traditional folk songs from the Republic of
Georgia in the Caucasus. The songs are world-
renowned for their spine-chilling 3-part har-
monies and the music is arguably the most
complex, varied and ancient folk polyphony
that has survived to the present day. Although
none of the members are Georgian, the group
has travelled to Georgia to learn from old
songmasters and regularly invite Georgian
teachers to Edinburgh to hold song work-
shops.
Skotebi’s leader David Tugwell also runs an
open mixed Georgian singing group, meeting
in Edinburgh every otherSaturday afternoon.
9. 9
Vertical Expression—Contra
South Hall, 7:30-11:30 pm
Probably the UK’s most high-energy contra dance band, Vertical Expression is what
happens when you take two English ceilidh musicians on fiddle and melodeon and put
them with a guitar and double bass rhythm
section with a love of bluegrass and gypsy jazz,
all of whom have backgrounds in playing for
various kinds of dancing, throw in some old
time music and foot percussion, a bit of French-
Canadian one-row box, a few Irish fiddle tunes,
some Django Reinhardt-style guitar, a bit of
creativity and a lot of energy and fun…
Ceilidh me Softly—Scottish Ceilidh
Hobgoblin Stage, 7:30– 9:30 pm
Guitar and fiddles trio Alastair Mackie, Lewis Hou and
Lewis Williamson may be softly playful, but they don’t
play soft. Edinburgh-based, they have played around
Scotland and Europe, gleefully incorporating elements
from balfolk, quebecois and nordic traditions into their
playing. Seriously rhythmic, eclectic and ever-so-
slightly ridiculous, this is Scottish tunage to ceilidh
hard to.
Saturday Dances
The Night Before—Display Ceilidh
Hobgoblin Stage, 2-5 pm
The Night Before (Nicky Wood – fiddle, Alan Brunier – accordion, Adam Griffin – guitar)
are a Coventry-based folk dance band who play an
exciting range of energetic and fun tunes for ceilidhs,
contra and Playford dances. Inspired by an eclectic
range of folk music from North America and Europe,
their energetic and vibrant sound combines the lyrical
tune, delicious harmonies and driving rhythm of fiddle,
accordion and guitar. Their love of folk dancing brings
out the best in the tunes they love to play.
10. 10
Ian MacPhail Band—Scottish Country Dance
McEwan Hall, 8-11:30 pm
Scottish Country Dance is amazing and something that everyone should try. Come along
to our workshops earlier in the day to try the footwork and become experts in some of
this evenings dances!
Programme:
The Highland Rambler Reel 8x40 Leeds SJ
Kendall’s Hornpipe Jig 8x32 RSCDS Graded
MacDonald of the Isles Strathspey 3x32 Haynes
Catch the Wind Hornpipe 8x32 Island Bay NZ
Postie’s Jig Jig 4x32 Ormskirk V
The Silver Tassie Strathspey 8x32 RSCDS Leaflet
Glenburnie Rant Reel 4x32 Bowie Dickson
The Happy Meeting Jig 8x32 RSCDS XXIX
The Summer Assembly Reel 88 RSCDS XXXV
Back to the Fireside Reel 8x32 RSCDS XXXVIII
The Brisk Young Lad Jig 5x48 Drewry
The Culduthel Rant Strathspey 8x32 Dunedin VI
Scott Meikle Reel 4x32 RSCDS XXXXVI
Major Ian Stewart Jig 8x32 RSCDS XXXV
The Falls of Rogie Reel 8x32 Alexander I
Staffin Harvest Strathspey 4x32 RSCDS 1978
The Snake Pass Jig 8x32 Newcastle 40th
The Reel of the Royal Scots Reel 8x32 RSCDS Leaflet
Please note the programme is for the information of those who will find it
helpful. You do not need to know these dances or even understand what the
programme is talking about. All dances will be called and walked.
INTERVAL
11. 11
Climax Ceilidh Band—English Ceilidh
Hobgoblin Stage, 10:15 pm– 12:15 am
When together this band sounds like no other. It might seem easy when they play, but
look behind the scenes and you will see that the Climax Ceilidh Band is a group of highly
skilled musicians who are musically responsive to each other and are able to trust the
spontaneity within each of them to take ceilidh
music into new dimensions. The driving rhythm of
the accordion and guitar, the sweet sound of the
dancing fiddles, the swift trill of the flute and the
power of the pipes makes the Climax Ceilidh Band
Experience truly orgasmic!
Angles—Bal Folk
Debating Hall, 7-9 pm
With striking melodies and powerful riffs Angles mix haunting pipes, earthy gurdy rhythms
and driving accordion bass lines to create their distinctive folk-trance groove tinged with
blues and jazz. A new slant on ancient rhythms. Original and quirky music for concerts and
dancing drawing on the diverse influences of three pedigree players: Steve Tyler on the
hurdy gurdy, Chris Walshaw on pipes / whistles and
Richard Jones on the accordion. Since forming in
late 2009, Angles have built a fine reputation, play-
ing at top UK festivals such as Sidmouth Folk Week,
Towersey Village Festival and Bromyard Folk Festi-
val, as well as in Belgium (Gooikoorts) and Holland
(Festival Bourdon).
Parasol—Bal Folk
Debating Hall, 9:30-11:30 pm
Our guest Bal Folk band, all the way from France!
Parasol is Gérard Godon, a dancer and self-taught
accordionist, and Catherine Grimault, a classical
violinist who one day discovered the folkie in her. A
highly regarded and influential Bal Folk band,
known by their smooth and delicate melodies and
performance intensity make their first appearance
in Scotland to spread the love.
13. 13
Food around the Festival
EUSA Venues: Pleasance and Teviot
Buy some nice food at the student union buildings, which serve burgers, pizza ,
tea, alcohol and much more for affordable prices. Enjoy the atmosphere in the
Library Bar next to old book shelves, and the comfy couches of the New Amphion!
Get SocCards stamped (available at reception) at the EUSA venues to help our society .
Discounts with your wristbands available at the following places:
Ciao Roma, 64 South Bridge – 20% Discount
Family run Italian restaurant, with great dishes and fresh made ice-cream.
Black Medicine, 2 Nicolson Street - 10% Discount
For some easy coffee/tea and cakes at any time of the day.
BaGet Stuffed, 59 Nicolson Street – 10% Discount
Easy food in a friendly atmosphere.
Green Mantle, 44 West Crosscauseway –50% off Food, 30% off Spirits
Comfortable and great pub food, happy for music to be played when not busy.
Cafe Turquaz, 119 Nicolson Street – 10% Discount
For something different, try this cafe with Turkish delight and coffee.
Le Cafe Gourmand, 126 Nicolson Street – 10% Discount
Amazing French crêpes and galettes, and other things. Definitely recommended!
Munchiez, 7 St Patrick Street – 10% Discount
Pizza, Burgers, Kebabs – you will find nearly everything here!
Bindu Restaurant, St Patrick Square – 10% Discount
Family run Indian vegetarian restaurant, for some delicious curries.
Flip! 54 Clerk Street – 20% discount
Healthy Fast Food and homey atmosphere, sandwiches, coffee. Relaxation free.
The Millars Sandwich Bar, 18 Hope Park Terrace 10% Discount
Oldest Sandwich Shop in this part of town, and there is a reason why!
17. 7
5
4
FESTIVAL VENUES
1 Pleasance
Munro room (Reception)
Highland, Ochil, Pentland rooms
FolkSoc Room, 48A Upper, 48A Lower
2 Teviot Row House
Debating Hall
Dining Room
Study
Loft, Lounge Bars
3 South Side Community Centre
Hobgoblin Stage
4 Pollock Halls (Holland House)
South Hall
5 St Peter’s Church Hall, Lutton Place
Secondary sleeping venue
6 McEwan Hall
7 Crags Community Sports Centre
Main sleeping venue
18. 18
Workshops
American square dancing – Rhodri Davies
Saturday, 12-13.15, Teviot, Debating Hall
Square dancing developed in America – a dance form that could take place in small commu-
nities with a musician and caller prompting the moves. There are many regional variations
and also a formalised version with hundreds of different moves. Come along and learn a few
(variations and moves). “Wait for the music, listen to the call”
Appalachian clogging – Kick the Cat Cloggers
Sunday, 10.30-11.30, Pleasance, Ochil Room
Come along for an introduction to Appalachian clogging, a fast and fun style of dancing with
influences from Scottish and Irish step dancing, and Native American and African-American
traditions. Please wear hard-soled or tap shoes. Trainers are not suitable.
Baltic dances – Leva Malinauskaite
Sunday, 9.15-10.15, Teviot, Study Room
An introduction to Lithuanian and Latvian folk dances. The dances are fun, energetic and
easy to learn so are ideal for all levels of experience. Despite the distance between the
countries, there are intriguing similarities with Scottish and British folk dances. The work-
shop will introduce three different variations of the polka which feature heavily in the
dances.
Bal Folk for beginners – Edinbal & Parasol
Saturday, 9-10.15 & 10.30-11.45, Pleasance, Highland Room
Organised by Edinburgh’s new European folk society, Edinbal, and with live music from Para-
sol, this workshop will cover everything you need to know to have even more fun at the
evening bal folk – it’s like a ceilidh, but French-style! This workshop is aimed at absolute be-
ginners and beginners in bal folk.
Dancing
19. 19
Blues dancing – Craig Thomson & Leigh Anderson
Sunday, 10.15-11.15, Pleasance, 48A Upper
Blues Dancing is an American Folk Dance still evolving today. It’s a partner dance rooted
in African Solo Movement and combined with the notion of European Partner Dancing. It
is characterised by a strong interpretive and improvisational spirit, and an emphasis on
connection between the dance partners and the music. In this all levels workshop we’ll
introduce the key concepts of musicality and connection and get you moving around the
dance floor with some traditional moves. No need to bring a partner and no special
shoes are required.
Bulgarian Folklore Dances – Nelly Valentinova
Saturday, 10.30-11.45, Pleasance, Ochil Room
Live the Rhythm! Bulgarian Folklore Dances express the diverse and rich Balkan emotions
– feel it! The ‘horó’ dances vary in rhythm, corresponding to the cultural diversity of the
seven regions of Bulgaria. The moves could be cheerful and vivid, but also deep and
smooth, expressing the relevant mood. Danced by all people together, the ‘horo’ figures
embody various shapes while boosting social communication and improving highly the
body health. Level: beginners/intermediate. Preferable equipment: comfortable clothing,
handkerchief, leather belt, great mood!
Catalan dancing around the square – Anna Vinyoles & Montse Soler
Saturday, 10.30-11.45, Teviot, Study Room
Come and learn some group and partnered dances that people do for fun in the streets
and squares of cities and towns in Catalonia. Expect interesting figures, some hopping,
healthy memory exercising and live music all the way from Barcelona!
Catalan dances for children – Anna Vinyoles & Montse Soler
Sunday, 9.15-10.15, Pleasance, Pentland Room
Whether you are biologiocally young or try to keep young at heart, join us for some
Catalan dances for all ages in this family-friendly workshop. Playful group and couple
dances for an hour of relaxed fun with live music.
CeilidhKids – Caroline Brockbank
Sunday, 10.30-11.30, Pleasance, Pentland Room
Family Scottish dancing for those who are too small or shy to let go of their Mum’s or Dad’s
hand. Aimed at 3-5 year olds and their parents and carers but all (including teddy bears) are
welcome. Skip, jump, clap and twirl to the music!
20. 20
Chinese dance – Cecilia Yao
Sunday, 11.45-12.45, Pleasance, 48A Upper
Peacock dance is a popular dance at Chinese festivals. In China, peacocks are a symbol of
good luck, beauty and happiness. Come along and enjoy one of the most elegant traditional
Chinese dances!
Contra – Bob Morgan & The Night Before
Saturday, 10.30-11.45, Teviot, Debating Hall
Contra dancing is American, high energy and flowing. Bob will teach some important basics
with some of his favourite dances, suitable for all levels but focussing at beginner
level. Everything you need for the evening contra if you’re nervous.
Couple dancing: improvisation and leading – Parasol
Saturday, 12-13.15, Pleasance, Highland Room
Aimed at people with experience in couple dancing, and ran by the great bal folk band
from France, Parasol, this workshop will cover some unusual couple dances (such as asym-
metric waltzes), variations on basic couple dances and tips to improve your following and
leading skills.
Dances With a Difference – Richard Mason
Sunday, 9.15-10.15, Teviot, Debating Hall
It’s back again… more ceilidh dances to tie you in knots from the slightly warped mind
of Richard. A stalwart of IVFDF, this workshop will take you through ceilidh dances that
you would never get to see at any normal ceilidh.
Dancing with wheelchairs -Joanna Birch
Saturday, 12– 13.15, Pleasance, Ochil Room
In this workshop you’ll have a chance to learn how to dance in a wheelchair, and how best
to dance with a partner who’s using one. No special kit or experience required, just come
along and have fun! Wheelchairs will be provided.
Danse Libre. Dirty dancing through the centuries – Alena Shmakova
Sunday, 10.30-11.30, Teviot, Debating Hall
The workshop is the opportunity to travel through the time and discover the dances which
were considered as riotous and indecent in the past. Prepare for surprises as the programme
includes the favourite dance of Elizabeth the 1st, waltz and cancan.
21. 21
Greek Dancing – Sofia Papadia
Saturday, 9-10.15, Pleasance, Ochil Room
Explore the Greek dancing tradition beyond Syrtaki and have fun without breaking any plates!
The dances are social and suitable for all levels – no partner necessary. In this workshop we’ll
visit primarily the Southeast (Aegean islands-Asia Minor) but also enjoy some dances from
mainland Greece. Wear trainers or similar supportive shoes and comfortable clothes.
Irish set dancing – David Ford
Sunday, 11.45-12.45, Teviot, Debating Hall
Riverdance this isn’t! Irish set dancing is based on quadrilles, but transformed by the Irish
into their own lively dance style. In the 1930s, unlicensed dances were denounced as “orgies
of dissipation” and yet surprisingly fell out of favour. Hard-soled shoes preferable. Suitable
for beginners but fun for all.
Kentucky Running Set – Burt Hunter
Saturday, 9-10.15, Teviot, Study
Running set is something of a cinderella relation in the family of folk dancing. It was
‘discovered’ by Cecil Sharp on a trip to the Appalachians and brought back to the British
Isles, whence he believed it originated. It was one of the progenitors of American square
dancing. My aim is to popularise it and inspire participants to go away enthused to the point
of starting their own groups, as I did following years of attending workshops at Whitby. The
workshop is suitable for anyone with a rudimentary grasp of the principle of dancing in sets
with a partner.
Latin American dances – Bretchen Hoskins
Saturday, 10.30-11.45, Pleasance, Pentland Room
From the Altiplano to the Patagonia: a taste of Latin American dance
Have you tried a Huayno? Have you heard that in Austral regions of Chile folklore is influenced
by European dances, like waltz? We are going to travel through the Andes! We will learn the
basics of some folklore dances of Peru, Bolivia and Chile.
Bring your scarf, handkerchief or hat, if you have one… Any shoes are suitable to have fun!
North West Clog – Rosie Crabb-Wyke
Saturday, 9-10.15, Pleasance, 48A Upper
North-West clog Morris is an energetic, precise and noisy style of dance from the mill towns of
Lancashire and Yorkshire. Traditionally danced by men or women it was danced in processions
and competitions. Rosie will be teaching Pipers Ash, as danced by Persephone Womens Mor-
ris of Bradford. All abilities welcome, trainers/ hard soled shoes preferred.
22. 22
Northwest Morris – Phil Davies
Sunday, 11.45-12.45, Pleasance, Ochil Room
We will be looking at a traditional Northwest Morris dance, “Mrs Hepples” by Trevor Owen.
This is a very energetic, smooth flowing dance but great fun! Some experience of Northwest
would be good but not essential. Wear trainers (no clogs!) and bring short sticks if you have
them – but there will be a supply for those who don’t. Phil has been dancing Northwest Mor-
ris for 10 years; he is a member of “Customs and exiles” and ex-foreman of dance with
“Basingclog Morris”.
Playford – Andrew Swaine & The Night Before
Saturday, 9.15-10.15, Teviot, Debating Hall
The ceilidh dances of the age, these were English Country Dances published between
1651 and the mid to late 1700s. Recently a new generation of dancers and musicians has
started to rediscover them, taking them back to their roots. Find out what the fuss is
about.
Rapper Sword – Mons Meg Rapper, Kev Theaker
Saturday, 10.30-11.45, Pleasance, 48a Upper
Mons Meg, Edinburgh’s only resident rapper side, will run a rapper workshop suitable for all
levels; beginner to advanced. Rapper is a fast paced English traditional dance performed
using short double handled flexible swords. Faster than morris, more complex than north
west, and danced inside pubs. Give it a try.
Southern Italian Dances – Davide Panzeri
Saturday, 12-13.15, Teviot, Study
Experienced workshop leader Davide Panzeri will be joined by The Badwills, Edinburgh’s
own tarantella collective, to bring you live the rhythms and sounds of the sultry south of
Italy. This workshop will be an introduction to fast paced and energetic dances such as pizzi-
ca and tammurriata, and is guaranteed to have you stomping to the rhythm of the tarantula.
Scottish Country Dancing for beginners, 1 & 2 – Jen Wood & Rachel Wignall
Saturday, 9-10.15 & 10:30-11:45, St Peters Hall, Lutton Place
You have no idea what Scottish Country Dancing is, or do, but it scares you? Jen and Rachel
are acclaimed New Scotland teachers, with a lot of experience in teaching Scottish Country
to young, energetic beginners. No fancy technical stuff here, only what you need as a be-
ginner to enjoy the evening dance. This workshop will be fun, that’s why we dance, after
all!
23. 23
Scottish Highland dance – Marina Sharp
Sunday, 11.45-12.45, Pleasance, Highland Room
Originally a military dance to show off and scare your opponents, Highland dancing is both
an elegant and very energetic form of dance. Marina, the New Scotland teacher, will teach
you the basic moves of a simple dance, so you can scare off your enemies too!
Scottish stepdance – Fiona Campbell
Sunday, 9.15-10.15, Pleasance, Ochil Room
Have a go at the “hard” form of Scottish dancing, i.e. the Scottish form of hard-shoe dancing.
Learn some basic Strathspey and Reel steps combined with simple dance patterns in this work-
shop. Recommended footwear is hard-soled shoes, ideally with a small heel, but not essential.
Some Really Complicated Scottish Country Dancing – Kirsten Ferguson
Saturday, 12-13.15, St Peters Hall, Lutton Place
Ok, so perhaps it won’t be that bad. This is Scottish Country Dancing with a little bit extra:
upside down, inside out, flipped around and plonked back down on top of itself. A chance to
try some dances that are a little out of the ordinary and you might not meet every day. No
technique, just some pretty funky dances to test your brain.
Swing – Helen Cheney
Sunday, 9.15-10.15, Pleasance, 48a Upper
Lindy Hop is a partner dance that originated in America during the big band Jazz era of the
1930s to 1940s. It formed out of popular dances at the time and incorporated the wild and
fancy footwork of The Charleston, tap and jazz dancing. This workshop is a fun, beginners
introduction to some of the rhythms and classic steps that make Lindy Hop the dance it is.
Please wear comfortable, flat, slip-sole shoes and a bundle of energy.
Traditional Danish Folkdance – Henning Christensen
Saturday, 12-13.15, Pleasance, Pentland Room
The traditional folkdances in Denmark are from the 18th century. The dances are inspired
from all of our neighbours so you’ll find English style dances as well as German and Swe-
dish. We are going to be doing ceilidh dances so all levels can participate. Hard soled shoes
are normally used but trainers are equally good.
Sword dancing – Handsworth Traditional Sword Dancers
Sunday, 10.30-11.30, Teviot, Study
Handsworth Traditional Sword Dancers from Sheffield are one of the few surviving teams
of traditional Yorkshire longsword dancers, with a proud continuous history of more than
130 years. Their dance is precise, energetic and unique, and is enhanced by the elaborate
military style uniforms. Although the dance is usually performed with eight men they will
be presenting an exciting and challenging newly-developed 6 man version at the Festival.
24. 24
Tudor dance – Elizabeth Lawson
Saturday, 12-13.15, Pleasance, 48a Upper
Fun, vigorous dances from the sixteenth century onwards suitable for beginners. Most of
these come from a dance manual, The Orchesographie, but we’ll also have a look at a few
sixteenth century survivors that turn up in the first edition of Playford’s The Dancing Mas-
ter.
Music
Auvergne: music from the French volcanoes – Duo Mistral (Chris & Caroline Shaw)
Saturday, 9-10.15, Teviot, Dining Room
Chris has an expertise in music and dance from Correze and Auvergne going back to the early
1980s when he first met up with Jean-Pierre Champeval and Jean-Francois Vrod. Caroline fell
in love with French music and dance at about the same time she met Chris, some 14 years ago
and has since developed her own expertise in both. She says Chris plays like a French peasant,
a serious compliment, and Chris says she now picks up the little nuances (which he can’t!) that
really make the music dance!
Edinburgh Vox – Anna Tabbush
Saturday, 9-10.15, Pleasance, 48A Lower
Join Anna Tabbush of the Climax Ceilidh Band and create an uplifting, glorious, harmonious
sound with contemporary and traditional songs from the British Isles and around the world.
Anna leads several choirs in the South East of England and will teach all the songs by ear.
Home Recording 101 - Alastair Mackie
Sunday, 9.15-10.15, Teviot, Dining Room
Have you always wanted to make your own album, but never had the funds to pay
for a professional studio? These days it is possible to record a full album in your
bedroom. I will show you what equipment you need and some basic studio techniques.
This workshop is aimed for complete beginners.
Medieval – Steve Tyler
Saturday, 12-13.15, Teviot, Dining Room
A workshop led by hurdy-gurdy player Steve Tyler of Angles looking at medieval music,
dance tunes for the French bal, and own compositions. Hurdy-gurdies encouraged but
other instruments also welcome.
Gaelic Songs – Charles MacLeod
Sunday, 11.45-12.45, Pleasance, FolkSoc Room
This fun workshop will make you discover easy Scottish Gaelic songs with repeating chorus-
es full of vocables. No Gaelic or previous experience necessary. There will be printed sheets
with words / phonetics and translations of the songs available to everyone.
25. 25
Orkney Tunes – Helen Le-Mar
Sunday, 9.15-10.15, Pleasance, FolkSoc Room
At this workshop you will learn some tunes from the beautiful Orkney Islands in the very
north of Scotland. The workshop is suitable for intermediate-advanced musicians and the
tunes will be taught by ear.
Scottish songs – Fiona Campbell (Traditional Music and Song Association)
Saturday, 12-13.15, Pleasance, 48 Lower
Take a break to come and sing some of the songs of Scotland. There will be a mix of well-known
and not so well-known songs. We’ll be learning the melodies by ear but words will provided,
and we may get to harmonies depending on interest. All levels welcome.
Scottish tunes – Lewis Hou
Saturday, 9-10.15, Pleasance, FolkSoc Room
Come learn some of Ceilidh Me Softly’s favourite Scottish tunes. We’ll go through some tunes
by ear and finish with a session. Bring your own instruments (both tune and rhythm welcome),
terrible puns not included.
Sing-a-long songs of Scotland – Graham Webster
Sunday, 10.30-11.30, Pleasance, FolkSoc Room
Scotland has a rich history of communal singing – from Bothy ballads to protest song – come
along and learn a few pieces, hand-picked especially from the School of Scottish Studies Archive
in Edinburgh
Songs: Shooting Roots Style! – Lisa Heywood
Saturday 10.30-11.45, Pleasance, 48 Lower
Come sing with us! Fun songs and catchy arrangements for all levels with a dose of Shooting
Roots silliness! Shooting Roots runs folk workshops for young people by young people in thea-
tre, music, song, craft and dance. Interested in tutoring for us? Drop by to find out more.
Ukulele and guitar – Bruce Knapp
Saturday, 10.30-11.45, Teviot, Dining Room
Bring your ukuleles and guitars to a workshop with Bruce Knapp of Climax Ceilidh Band (and
formerly of Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain) for some fun interpretations of well known
tunes. All abilities welcome.
Other
Beginners Balloon Modelling – Jenny Harding
Sunday, 11.45-12.45, Pleasance, Pentland Room
Balloon modelling for beginners! If you’ve ever wanted to learn to make a sausage dog or silly
hat, or fancy a nice relaxed Sunday morning then this is for you. No equipment necessary,
max 12 people.
26. 26
Calling for Ceilidhs – John Brown
Sunday, 11.45-12.45, Teviot, Study
Have you every wanted to call at a ceilidh, but never had ? Have you maybe called once or
twice and want to call more? Do you just need to find some other callers to talk to? Or do you
just have an insane lust for power? This is the workshop for you, we’ll cover all the basics a
discuss problems people have with calling. Beginner and experienced callers welcome.
Improvisational storytelling – Tom Goodale
Saturday, 10.30-11.45, Pleasance, FolkSoc Room
Get your creative juices running with fun games which will help you create a story on the fly,
keeping your audience interested and bringing the story home.
Origami – Johann Bryant
Sunday, 10.30-11.30, Teviot, Dining Room
If you can see animals in clouds, mountains in sand or patterns in dots or numbers then why
not make your imaginings reality? Origami is folding paper (literally) with mind or maths to
create that which is not there… sounds Zen? Mu…
Storytelling: Ghosts and ghoulies – Erin Fairley
Saturday, 12-13.15, Pleasance, FolkSoc Room
An introduction to stories of ghosts and the supernatural from Scotland and beyond, with
ideas for how to terrify your audience and where to find spooky stories.
Storytelling (The Orient and beyond) – Johann Bryant
Sunday, 11.45-12.45, Teviot, Dining Room
Storytelling in and of the Orient. We’ll look at the rise of storytelling in the Orient, some of
its themes and how it differs and is similar to that of the West.
Indian Head Massage – Lucie Robertson
Sunday, 9.15-10.15, Pleasance, Highland Room
Are you in need of a rest between dances? Why not try Indian Head massage? This is a sooth-
ing type of massage which is often used in India for relaxing and healing purposes. The work-
shop will teach you a simple routine with some basic moves, leaving you fresh and ready for
the day to come.
Fun with folk bagpipes, folk dance and folk tales; The traditional role of bagpipers in Euro-
pean folkdance - James Macdonald Reid
Saturday, 9-10.15, Pleasance, Pentland Room
James MacDonald Reid learned bagpiping, singing, dancing and folktales from childhood
within the Scottish Gaelic tradition. As a teenager he travelled through other parts of Europe
to learn their equivalent traditional bagpipes and dances.ar For this session, he will play and
demonstrate a variety of folk-bagpipes used for dancing, show some of the dance styles and
recite some of the folklore of pipers who play for the village dance.
